England manager Thomas Tuchel has voiced concerns over the hydration breaks being used throughout the World Cup, saying they have a greater impact on matches than he initially expected.
Speaking ahead of England’s Group L clash with Ghana in Boston, Tuchel said the stoppages disrupt the natural rhythm of games, even though he acknowledges they can be useful from a coaching perspective.
Hydration breaks have become a regular feature at the tournament, with fans expressing frustration during England’s opening match against Croatia in Dallas. Supporters voiced their displeasure when play was paused during the first half, despite the game taking place inside a roofed, air-conditioned stadium.
Although cooler temperatures and rain are expected in Boston, tournament organisers will continue to implement the breaks regardless of weather conditions. Tuchel believes the policy alters the flow of matches and changes the nature of the sport.
The 52-year-old said he had previously experienced hydration breaks only during extreme heat, and those stoppages were typically shorter and limited to a small number of matches. The current approach, he noted, applies to every team and every game in the interests of consistency.
Tuchel argued that the interruptions effectively divide matches into four separate segments, making it harder for teams to build and maintain momentum. While he appreciates the opportunity to gather his players and deliver instructions during the pauses, he feels football is at its best when play continues uninterrupted.
His comments came shortly after FIFA chose not to use a second-half hydration break during France’s 3-0 victory over Iraq, a match that had already been delayed for more than two hours because of severe weather.
According to Tuchel, the continuous nature of football is one of the qualities that makes the sport unique. He believes momentum, endurance and the ongoing contest between two teams are central to the game’s appeal, and frequent stoppages risk diminishing those elements.